Lead and Your Health

Lead is a naturally-occurring metal that is present throughout the environment (in rocks, soil, water and air). While it has been mined, smelted and used in making tools and ornamental objects since pre-historic times, concentrations of lead in the environment have increased steadily since the industrial revolution. The most dramatic increase has been noted since the 1920s following the introduction of lead additives into automobile gasoline.

All of us are exposed to lead--in air, dirt, household dust, food, drinking water and various consumer products. Long-term exposure to relatively low levels of lead, or short-term exposure to high levels, can seriously affect human health. Measures taken by governments and private industry in recent years have significantly reduced human exposure to lead.

Lead in drinking water

Drinking water usually accounts for only a small percentage of a person's total daily intake of lead. In most areas of New Brunswick, the concentration of lead in natural water supplies is very low. However, the use of lead solder in plumbing, lead service connections to the main water supply, or lead pipes in the home can contribute to significant levels of lead in domestic water. The problem is more evident in areas with soft and acidic drinking water and in very old or very new homes.

Water from drinking fountains may have higher levels of lead than water from nearby taps, since it may sit in the fountain for a longer period and there may be more soldered joints in a given length of pipe than in household plumbing.

Lead in food

Food can be a major source of lead. It contains lead from the soil, water used in processing and from the use of lead solder in cans used in canning foods.

Lead in paint

Paint manufactured prior to current regulations (1976) may contain lead. Chips of lead-based paint, if eaten, can pose a threat to children. Also, the stripping or sanding of old paint during home renovations can produce lead particles which may be inhaled or swallowed by people in the house.

Other sources of exposure

Airborne lead comes from industrial exhaust and until recently from the use of leaded gasolines. Concentrations in homes and gardens depend on how close they are to industrial plants and highways. Lead particles in the air are often deposited in household dust. This source of lead appears to be especially important to young children who take in a significant amount of soil and dust through their natural habit of putting things in their mouths.

High-risk groups

In the general population, two groups - the unborn child and children up to six years of age - are at a greater risk of having their health adversely effected by lead.

Health effects

During pregnancy, lead is known to cross from the mother to the unborn child. Researchers believe that late pregnancy may be the most critical time for this to occur. In the past when workers were exposed to high levels of lead, increased spontaneous abortions and stillbirths were noted in female workers in the lead industry.

Young children are a high-risk group for several reasons. They take in more lead by body weight than adults. They are also developing at a rapid rate and are more susceptible to the adverse effects of lead than adults. Children also absorb a higher proportion of lead from food sources (up to 50 per cent absorption, compared to about 10 per cent absorption for adults).

Failure to treat children in the early stages can cause long-term or permanent damage. Over the past ten years, some researchers have found that exposure to even low levels of lead before birth, or during infancy and early childhood, can cause impairment to intellectual development, behavioral problems, impairment to hearing and growth. Early symptoms may include persistent tiredness, irritability, loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, reduced attention span, insomnia, constipation and headache. Longer-term health effects, seen mostly in adults, may include a rise in blood pressure, anaemia, kidney problems and possible impairment of sperm.

Lead is absorbed into the blood stream and deposited into the bones and other tissues where it is stored. Elevated blood lead levels can be detected by a simple finger-prick blood test. Because the early symptoms of lead poisoning are difficult to detect, it is difficult to diagnose lead poisoning without medical testing.

Steps you can take to reduce your family's exposure to lead

Throw out or stop using children's old toys or furniture made before 1975 as they may contain lead paint.
When renovating or remodelling, women who are pregnant (or trying to become pregnant) and children should not be exposed to any dust or dirt which may contain lead. It is best not to attempt removal of old paint unless it is chipping or flaking. Do not use old paints that may still be in storage. Those made before 1976 may contain significant amounts of lead.
Wet mop floors and use a damp cloth on furniture and window sills to remove dust. Do not sweep with a dry broom or dust with a dry duster since this stirs up dust which may contain lead particles into the air where they can be inhaled.
Wash children's hands before they eat.
Frequently wash objects children put in their mouths.
If exposed to lead at work, workers should shower and change clothes before leaving work. Work clothes should not be brought home for washing.
Vegetable gardens and children's play areas should not be located near potential sources of lead such as heavily travelled roads and structures with deteriorating paint such as buildings, bridges, water towers, etc.
Always use the cold water tap for drinking and cooking. Heat cold water for items like instant soup or cocoa. Never use water from the hot water tap to prepare formula, cereal or any beverage or food for an infant or child.
Flush your water system every time the water sits in your plumbing for six or more hours before using it for drinking or cooking purposes.
Use only lead-free solders when making repairs or installing plumbing.
Lead absorption by children can be reduced if they eat meals at regular intervals and have a balanced diet with adequate daily intake of iron and calcium.

If you think your child may have been exposed to sources of lead, talk to your family physician about it. Your physician may want to order a blood lead level test for your child.

For more information contact your local Public Health office.

Other Resources

Home Renovations: Removing Lead-Based Paint

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